Vet hospitals in Moga going to the dogs

Even the state prides itself on its agricultural productivity; it seems to be neglecting its animal resources and milch cattle, in Moga at least. Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries across the district lack basic equipment or doctors.

More than 80 buildings that function as veterinary hospitals need immediate repairs. Of the hospitals that can claim to have safe building, seven are running without electricity. More than 28 hospitals have no drinking water for staff as well as farmers.

Of the sanctioned posts of 29 veterinary doctors needed in the district, 17 posts are vacant. Of the 109 posts of veterinary inspectors, 25 posts are vacant. The lone post of senior veterinary doctor in the district has not been filled for many years.

"Most veterinary hospitals have not seen a doctor for more than three years," said several residents of Rauke Kalan, Buttar Kalan, Khukhrana, Kili Chhlan, Daulatpura and Gajjanwala villages.

Even as the government reportedly spent a huge amount on constructing a new civil animal dispensary at Lopo village in Moga, no electricity connection was sought.

Nachhattart Singh Dhaliwal of Rauke Kalan village, who has been selling milk for 15 years and owns large number of cattle, said:

"I have never seen a veterinary doctor at our village dispensary which was constructed with donation money by the villagers in 1979. We approach a private doctor at Moga, 35 km away, for getting our animals treated."

At Butter Kalan village, the common refrain is that a doctor is supposed to visit the hospital only twice a week, but he was not regular in his visits.

"The boundary wall of Ranian veterinary hospital has been lost," said a resident.

Harjinder Singh former panch of Chakk Kannian village claimed that there was no veterinary dispensary in any of the nearby villages.

"We go to Dharamkot or Kishanpura Kalan for treatment of our cows," he claimed.

Deputy director of animalhusbandry department Nazar Singh said the facilities will be improved at the earliest.

"Electricity supply to some of the hospitals was restored after I personally intervened. We have received Rs 1 crore for repair of the buildings and new doctors will join soon."